Snow Business, December 2015

MEMBERSHIP WORKS Learn and share with Snow Business magazine BY CHERYL HIGLEY Editor in Chief O ne of the most tangible assets included in a SIMA membership is the magazine youre holding or reading online right now As the official publication of SIMA Snow Business has been a leading industry resource for more than 15 years In 2005 the magazine was relaunched and has been growing with SIMA ever since The magazine staff in concert with the SIMA team and a dedicated Editorial Advisory Committee works to deliver timely relevant stories and resources to help snow and ice management companies build and strengthen their businesses Each issue keeps you in the know with SIMA events and initiatives new products in depth articles on sales marketing management operations and more and features on companies from across the United States and Canada A key differentiator for our magazine is our focus on delivering peer driven content All of our columnists and key contributors own or work for snow companies work in complementary areas of the industry or provide services to the industry I am passionate about the peer aspect because I truly believe Snow Business is better when the membership and readership at large shares its knowledge Who better to learn from than those who experience similar successes and challenges Get involved While I hope you gain valuable insights and solutions from the magazine how can you help build the magazines value for others I encourage you to get involved 1 2 Adding tangible membership value and increasing member engagement 1907 20 The ALL NEW UTV Plows The reliability of the SnowDogg in a UTV Plow 14ga Brush finished 304 Stainless Steel Fast acting hydraulics for quick operation 6 Lift cylinder 35 travel for exceptional snow stacking Ideal for campus and grounds crews clearing tight spaces such as walk ways and small parking lots V Plow available in 6 6 and the straight blade available in both 6 and 6 8 Nothing Works Like A Dogg 2015 Buyers Products Company 6 SNOW BUSINESS DECEMBER 2015 www sima org snowbusiness Share your expertise We are always seeking new voices for the magazine but many shy away from writing because its out of their comfort zone We can help You bring the ideas and well make the story happen In addition we want to expand our stable of recurring columnists who have expertise in safety ice management sales marketing insurance maintenance and accounting finance Share your story or the story of someone you know Throughout the year the magazine shines the spotlight on deserving companies and individuals whose stories we might not otherwise discover This issue for example features All Stars of Snow Ice outstanding employees nominated by their bosses or peers The State of the Industry issue encourages companies to answer questions and share experiences The Greatest Story Never Told has allowed us to learn about a diverse group of people from a contractor managing snow and ice in Texas to one who managed operations while stationed in Afghanistan CEO of the Year honors those who have built strong businesses and use their innovation and business acumen to change the industry Share your ideas Not interested in writing but have an idea for a story we should write Contact me at chigley@ grandviewmedia com or Editorial Advisory Committee Chairperson Debora Babin Katz at dkatz@ truckbrush com Weigh in when we need you A new initiative for 2016 will be the launch of the Snow Business Reader Panel Panel participants will be contacted on those occasions when we are writing a story and need insight Additionally surveys on specific topics will be sent so we can get readers more actively involved through the year Over the past 10 years it has been my privilege to learn about the industry and meet so many passionate and dedicated people who are truly interested in growing and bringing a higher level of professionalism to the industry I look forward to meeting more of you as you take the above steps to help make Snow Business the best it can be Cheryl Higley is Editor in Chief of Snow Business magazine and Editorial and Information Manager for SIMA Contact her at chigley@ grandviewmedia com STATE OF SIMA ON ITS WAY The second annual State of SIMA Annual Report will be mailed to all members this month The report provides an overview of SIMA initiatives in 2015 including updates on the ASM CSP programs Sustainable Salt Initiative volunteer involvement etc In an effort to be as transparent as possible SIMA also shares board decisions and financial information Once you read the report if you have questions please contact SIMA at 414 375 1940 The STAT E of SIMA ANNUAL REPORT 2014 2015 Membership Structure In the 2014 State of SIMA Annual Report we shared an initiative to review and potentially alter SIMAs membership structure Big picture drivers of this change include STATE OF SIMA 11 Simplifying the join and renewal process MEMBERSHIP AT A GLANCE TOTAL SIMA MEMBERSHIPS Improving and more accurately tracking key data BY COMPANY SERVICE BY GEOGRAPHY GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP PAST 2 YEARS www SnowDogg com Contact Snow Dogg Today Visit the ALL NEW SnowDogg com for more information dealers in your area The Board of Directors and staff spent a good deal of time on this subject over the past year and are close to fi nalizing a new structure The goal is to launch the new structure in the coming fi scal year Any public or not for profi t organization educational institution or individual or business interested in being affi liated with the association that does not operate as a contractor or supplier in the industry As of November 1 2015 SNOW CONTRACTORS 1625 AFFILIATES 89 SUPPLIERS 193 UNITED STATES 1678 CANADA 229 12 85 5 10 88 SIMA_ AnnualReport2015 FINAL indd 11 11 27 15 3 02 PM 3 4 STATE OF SIMA 1 SIMA_ AnnualReport2015 FINAL indd 1 11 27 15 3 01 PM

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